Parks and gardens in Bologna

Bologna’s green spaces range from the expansive English-style lawns of Giardini Margherita to the Orto Botanico, one of Europe's oldest university botanical gardens. The city's hilly southern outskirts feature panoramic retreats like Parco Villa Ghigi and Parco San Pellegrino, offering views of the San Luca basilica. Within the urban center, Parco del Cavaticcio reveals industrial heritage along former canal sites, while Giardino del Guasto offers a unique architectural landscape built upon the ruins of a 16th-century palace.

Parks & Gardens — Map

Mariaorecchia / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Piazza Cavour

Historic square featuring neoclassical porticoes and an urban garden, symbolizing bourgeois prosperity and elegance.

Gialess / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Margherita Gardens

The Giardini Margherita is a park in Bologna, Italy, located just south of the city centre.

C

Botanical Garden

The Orto Botanico dell'Università di Bologna, also known as the Orto Botanico di Bologna, is a botanical garden operated by the University…

Olga / CC-BY-SA

D

Parco Villa Ghigi

Hillside park spanning 28 hectares, featuring a mix of ornamental gardens and agricultural landscapes. It offers panoramic views of Bologna and contains the remains of a 19th-century villa.

E

Parco San Pellegrino

Large hillside park known for its wide meadows and unobstructed views of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The terrain follows the ridge between the Ravone and Meloncello valleys.

F

Parco del Cavaticcio

Sunken urban park located in the city's former port area. It traces the route of the ancient Cavaticcio canal and serves as an open-air exhibition space near the MAMbo modern art museum.

G

Cavaioni Park

Take a break from the city and go on a trip to the Valley del Ravone. Note the variety of plants and trees around you.

H

Giardino del Guasto

Public garden built on the ruins of the 16th-century Palazzo Bentivoglio. Designed in the 1970s by architect Rino Filippini, it features distinct concrete paths and structures within a sunken courtyard.

I

Giardino Charlie Parker - John Lennon

Neighborhood green space located in the university district, featuring mature trees and benches near the historic city walls.

J

Parco 11 Settembre 2001

Central park situated on the former site of the Manifattura Tabacchi (tobacco factory). It forms part of the Manifattura delle Arti cultural district and provides shaded lawns and walkways.

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